Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Science

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for scientific research, designated as DE-FOA-0003264. This FOA encourages applications focused on foundational computer science and applied mathematics research relating to AI, including the development of foundation models, automated workflows, privacy-preserving AI training, and energy-efficient algorithms. The estimated funding is $36 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $2 million annually for academic institutions, while DOE National Laboratories may apply for up to $2.35 million per year. Important dates include pre-application deadlines on March 19, 2024, and application submissions by May 21, 2024. Applicants must identify a primary research area and address topics including federated learning, AI for knowledge synthesis, and decision support for complex systems. A Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan is required in all applications, reflecting DOE's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The FOA emphasizes collaboration, and multi-institutional teams are encouraged to apply through collaborative or subaward mechanisms, fostering significant advancements in AI that support national scientific goals.